Photo of Elizabeth Sarraf, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Elizabeth Sarraf
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Waitlist for new clients
I have training and experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, including traumatic loss and mass violence, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
When life feels overwhelming, your day to day stressors add up, or past experiences cause you difficulties, choosing to seek therapy can be a pivotal step towards feeling like yourself again. I work collaboratively with clients to help them chart a path forward that feels healthy and acknowledges the impact of all of life’s experiences. Therapy is an opportunity to explore old patterns, create new ones, and to find your voice. Together, we will create a space where you feel safe enough to put down your walls and explore what is working in your life, what is not, and how to get you to where you want to be.
I have training and experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, including traumatic loss and mass violence, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
When life feels overwhelming, your day to day stressors add up, or past experiences cause you difficulties, choosing to seek therapy can be a pivotal step towards feeling like yourself again. I work collaboratively with clients to help them chart a path forward that feels healthy and acknowledges the impact of all of life’s experiences. Therapy is an opportunity to explore old patterns, create new ones, and to find your voice. Together, we will create a space where you feel safe enough to put down your walls and explore what is working in your life, what is not, and how to get you to where you want to be.
(412) 219-5957 View (412) 219-5957
Photo of Molly Johnston, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Molly Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
(412) 946-0951 View (412) 946-0951
Photo of Linda J Nordquist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Linda J Nordquist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
For the past 25 years I have practiced the healing art and science of psychotherapy working with clients experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, the effects of PTSD (which includes combat, and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse), dissociation, grief, explosive anger, and issues unique to men or women.
The most courageous thing you can do is to begin the journey of understanding your own story. Our past experiences touch nearly every relationship in our lives. Often, despite our best efforts, old unhelpful patterns re-emerge. Our ways of coping with stress and uncertainty become painful and limiting with time. Psychotherapy can be a space to unlearn these harmful patterns and heal past hurtful experiences. I use an eclectic framework for therapy that depends on what my client feels is most helpful, though my roots are in attachment, psychodynamic and EMDR therapies.
For the past 25 years I have practiced the healing art and science of psychotherapy working with clients experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, the effects of PTSD (which includes combat, and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse), dissociation, grief, explosive anger, and issues unique to men or women.
The most courageous thing you can do is to begin the journey of understanding your own story. Our past experiences touch nearly every relationship in our lives. Often, despite our best efforts, old unhelpful patterns re-emerge. Our ways of coping with stress and uncertainty become painful and limiting with time. Psychotherapy can be a space to unlearn these harmful patterns and heal past hurtful experiences. I use an eclectic framework for therapy that depends on what my client feels is most helpful, though my roots are in attachment, psychodynamic and EMDR therapies.
(412) 275-4683 View (412) 275-4683
Photo of Wayne J. Woznikaitis, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Wayne J. Woznikaitis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
Providing Telehealth in PA & Telehealth in Florida. There is a vast range of experiences, life-events, and challenges that can overwhelm our abilities to effectively cope. Counseling provides a path to address these issues, make positive changes and improve our overall quality of life. I have helped clients navigate a diverse range of issues, from managing daily stressor to more complex struggles, such as personality disorders, trauma, & serious mental illness. It is my aim to help clients through this process by providing a supportive and validating environment where positive transformation & healing and can occur.
Providing Telehealth in PA & Telehealth in Florida. There is a vast range of experiences, life-events, and challenges that can overwhelm our abilities to effectively cope. Counseling provides a path to address these issues, make positive changes and improve our overall quality of life. I have helped clients navigate a diverse range of issues, from managing daily stressor to more complex struggles, such as personality disorders, trauma, & serious mental illness. It is my aim to help clients through this process by providing a supportive and validating environment where positive transformation & healing and can occur.
(272) 225-6925 View (272) 225-6925
Photo of Jada L. Pannell, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Jada L. Pannell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
I specialize in dealing with trauma including: grief & loss, abuse (physical, sexual, & emotional).
With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels. I provide a safe and empathetic space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's journey. If you have any questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask; I'm here to assist you.
I specialize in dealing with trauma including: grief & loss, abuse (physical, sexual, & emotional).
With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels. I provide a safe and empathetic space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's journey. If you have any questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask; I'm here to assist you.
(757) 379-8593 View (757) 379-8593
Photo of Grace Wellness Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Grace Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
We are a group of Christian Counselors who treat clients of all ages through Biblical truth and the healing power of God's grace. We integrate the best from the discipline of psychology with Christian counseling to help people find peace and contentment. We have counselors who specialize in addictions, attachment and trauma issues, grief, relationships, children, parenting, depression, anxiety and most other issues. Our organization has several centers throughout western PA. Please visit our website to see if we have a location that will meet your needs. www.thegracewellnesscenter.com
We are a group of Christian Counselors who treat clients of all ages through Biblical truth and the healing power of God's grace. We integrate the best from the discipline of psychology with Christian counseling to help people find peace and contentment. We have counselors who specialize in addictions, attachment and trauma issues, grief, relationships, children, parenting, depression, anxiety and most other issues. Our organization has several centers throughout western PA. Please visit our website to see if we have a location that will meet your needs. www.thegracewellnesscenter.com
(724) 906-4319 View (724) 906-4319
Photo of Forward Plan LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Forward Plan LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
I have experience working with high risk populations; including intimate partner violence. I enjoys working with individuals, couples, co-parents, trauma survivors and teens. Cultivating sustained positive change in the lives of individuals is my passion.
I have experience working with high risk populations; including intimate partner violence. I enjoys working with individuals, couples, co-parents, trauma survivors and teens. Cultivating sustained positive change in the lives of individuals is my passion.
(412) 219-5968 View (412) 219-5968
Photo of Diane Dahm, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Diane Dahm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
We all need some help figuring things out! Are you struggling to bridge the gap between what you know and what you feel? Let's work together to explore ways to get to know yourself. I am trained in EMDR, Ecotherapy and have worked to support trauma survivors for most of my career. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ communities and can provide affirming support and care. I believe in the strengths we all have and would love to work with you to build on yours.
We all need some help figuring things out! Are you struggling to bridge the gap between what you know and what you feel? Let's work together to explore ways to get to know yourself. I am trained in EMDR, Ecotherapy and have worked to support trauma survivors for most of my career. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ communities and can provide affirming support and care. I believe in the strengths we all have and would love to work with you to build on yours.
(505) 210-8508 View (505) 210-8508
Photo of Erin McNally, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Erin McNally
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penn Hills, PA 15235
I work with individuals, children and families, who face challenges with low self-esteem, communication struggles, parenting struggles, and trauma.
Hello! I am happy to help guide your through the fog we call life. At some point in our lives, we need an extra hand to get through the struggles and to find our purpose again. Let me assist with this journey. During our time together, I want to help you seek your highest potential with styles of person centered approaches with a touch of Cognitive behavior therapy. These approaches will help you identify the areas that need a little boost and ways to change it. If seeking child/ treatment, I require family participation. At this time, I am seeing clients ages 5 to adults on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
I work with individuals, children and families, who face challenges with low self-esteem, communication struggles, parenting struggles, and trauma.
Hello! I am happy to help guide your through the fog we call life. At some point in our lives, we need an extra hand to get through the struggles and to find our purpose again. Let me assist with this journey. During our time together, I want to help you seek your highest potential with styles of person centered approaches with a touch of Cognitive behavior therapy. These approaches will help you identify the areas that need a little boost and ways to change it. If seeking child/ treatment, I require family participation. At this time, I am seeing clients ages 5 to adults on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
(878) 201-6597 View (878) 201-6597
Photo of Betsy A DeChant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Betsy A DeChant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S, BCD, FAGPA
Verified Verified
Penn Hills, PA 15235
I have been in full-time practice as a clinical social worker/psychotherapist since 1969, and practiced in both hospital and agency psychiatric settings for over 15 years, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Throughout my career, I have provided numerous national and regional training seminars and workshops for MH professionals on women's issues; the chronically mentally ill; dual-diagnosed populations; and group psychotherapy modalities, and have also published in these areas. I have an eclectic style that encourages a flexible and collaborative working partnership which reflects the needs, goals, and personal context of the individual person.
I have been in full-time practice as a clinical social worker/psychotherapist since 1969, and practiced in both hospital and agency psychiatric settings for over 15 years, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Throughout my career, I have provided numerous national and regional training seminars and workshops for MH professionals on women's issues; the chronically mentally ill; dual-diagnosed populations; and group psychotherapy modalities, and have also published in these areas. I have an eclectic style that encourages a flexible and collaborative working partnership which reflects the needs, goals, and personal context of the individual person.
(724) 907-1668 View (724) 907-1668
Photo of WPA Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
WPA Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
At WPA Counseling, We Understand the Ins and Outs of Mental Healthcare The path to a better and healthier mental health space can be long, intimidating, and scary. Here at WPA Counseling, we understand the obstacles and stigmas that come with mental health. Depression, anxiety, and even the fear of retaliation are all valid feelings to have when considering mental health counseling. The journey, however, begins with you.
At WPA Counseling, We Understand the Ins and Outs of Mental Healthcare The path to a better and healthier mental health space can be long, intimidating, and scary. Here at WPA Counseling, we understand the obstacles and stigmas that come with mental health. Depression, anxiety, and even the fear of retaliation are all valid feelings to have when considering mental health counseling. The journey, however, begins with you.
(724) 964-2174 View (724) 964-2174
Photo of Fran Meenan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Fran Meenan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Neither trauma nor depression, panic, grief, workplace stress, or even chronic illness and pain can stop us from feeling restored, reconnected and open to life and relationships.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. Painful past experiences, whether they occurred in childhood or recently, influence our moods, behavior and relationships often in surprising ways. These experiences can intensify depression, anxiety and panic, marital stress, self-esteem issues, health crises and other conditions. I work with those struggling with the difficulties that follow recent and past experiences of stress or abuse. Negotiating the changes in our world and healing some of the broken places in our lives is challenging.
Neither trauma nor depression, panic, grief, workplace stress, or even chronic illness and pain can stop us from feeling restored, reconnected and open to life and relationships.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years. Painful past experiences, whether they occurred in childhood or recently, influence our moods, behavior and relationships often in surprising ways. These experiences can intensify depression, anxiety and panic, marital stress, self-esteem issues, health crises and other conditions. I work with those struggling with the difficulties that follow recent and past experiences of stress or abuse. Negotiating the changes in our world and healing some of the broken places in our lives is challenging.
(878) 201-9111 View (878) 201-9111
Photo of Melissa Oliver, Licensed Professional Counselor in 15235, PA
Melissa Oliver
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penn Hills, PA 15235
Not accepting new clients
I am a AASECT certified Sex Therapist who specializes in human sexuality and illness and have experience with teenage pregnancy, infertility issues, sexual identity, healing from trauma of partners of sexual addiction, I am happy to assist individuals who require a WPATH letter for surgeries.
Have you been feeling stressed, anxious or unbalanced? I provide therapy to individuals ages 18 and older. I provide individual and couple's therapy. I am committed to providing a non-judgmental space to services clients. I provide services for individuals dealing with grief, relationship issues, adjustment issues, life changes, divorce and separation, nontraditional relationships, marital therapy, sexual identity, women's sexual health, general anxiety and depression.
I am a AASECT certified Sex Therapist who specializes in human sexuality and illness and have experience with teenage pregnancy, infertility issues, sexual identity, healing from trauma of partners of sexual addiction, I am happy to assist individuals who require a WPATH letter for surgeries.
Have you been feeling stressed, anxious or unbalanced? I provide therapy to individuals ages 18 and older. I provide individual and couple's therapy. I am committed to providing a non-judgmental space to services clients. I provide services for individuals dealing with grief, relationship issues, adjustment issues, life changes, divorce and separation, nontraditional relationships, marital therapy, sexual identity, women's sexual health, general anxiety and depression.
(412) 253-4568 View (412) 253-4568

Trauma and PTSD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for trauma?

Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?

Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?

It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.